ANTIQUE CENTER TABLES FOR DINING

In the 19th century, circular pedestal tables, often more than 4 feet in diameter, stood in the center of the drawing room, to be used for both dining and playing the card games lanterloo, hence the name lanterloo tables by which they are also known. 

Early in the century, rosewood and mahogany were the preferred woods, but later, burl-walnut veneers, often inlaid with brass, marquetry, mother-of-pearl, or exotic woods, grew in popularity. As machine carving became more common, columns and legs were often heavily carved, to complement table tops that were also becoming ever more elaborate. 

Although large antique center tables dining tables continued to be made in a variety of styles in the 19th century, mechanical tables were in great demand. from about 1800 onward, various designs appeared, which had in common some sort of mechanical action to extend either circular or rectangular tables so that extra leaves could be inserted. The leaves rested on bearers under the table, thereby eliminating the need for extra legs. To reflect their success, the wealthy middle classes sought opulent furniture, much of it in one of the many revival styles that dominated the 19th century, and a great deal of heavily carved Gothic-style furniture was made. But as the century progressed, an increasing number of "reformers,"  and other adherents of the arts and crafts movement, began to advocate a return to simple methods of construction and a restraint in using unnecessary ornament or decoration. Their influence was eventually felt even in mainstream furniture production. it s worth remembering that Victorian tables are being copied today.